PREGAME:Another two game series with the Royals is about to come to a close – weather permitting. Based on the map, I’m not holding my breath.
If they do play, it will be a matchup of soft tossing lefties. Mike Maroth is set to take on Mark Redman. Redman, as you may remember, was a Tiger for a short spell. He was acquired in exchange for Todd Jones who is a Tiger once again. And then the Tigers traded Redman for 3 pitchers, one of which is Nate Robertson who is in the rotation. This all would have been more interesting if Redman were facing Robertson tonight.
Maroth will try to keep the hitters off balance, as Bonderman did last night. Bonderman did such a good job that the Royals got themselves a new hitting coach.
Game time is 7:05 – theoretically.
POSTGAME: Another strong pitching performance, a couple homers – including one from Craig Insurance Runs Monroe, and the Tigers have their 3rd 5 game win streak of the season. Only 22,000 fans for the series, which is somewhat understandable given the context (Royals, rain, playoff games). Here’s hoping tomorrow night tops that mark.
Royals at Twins. Dig it.
Sweeney is on the DL. Justin Huber called up. Not a good time for a rainout. Get them while they are down.
Bonderman is now 3rd in K’s, 3rd in WHIP and 4th in BAA. Nobody has really noticed him because of his ERA but he has been pitching well.
Oh, and lest we get too carried away, Baltimore started 17-7 last year, got to 30-16 and then 42-28 before the roof caved in. They finished 74-88. Not to suggest this will happen but baseball is full of hot starts. Now 35-5; that was something more than a hot start. That was insane.
Looks like the rain has ended; the game will go on. ChiSox lost 7-1 to the Indians, so we call pull to within 1/2 game of them with a win. Pretty early in the season to be scoreboard watching, but it is impressive that the Tigers have managed to keep up with their fast start.